Plug computers

The latest mini computers make your tower PC look like the Empire State Building

What are they?

Mini PCs entirely contained within a case the size of a power adapter. They plug into and are powered by an electrical socket. They’ve been around since 2009, but mostly only for Ubuntu, the Linux distribution that requires less processor power than Windows, and is therefore better suited to such a small machine. They’ve only had niche appeal so far, but that may soon change.

Bring your project to life on Kickstarter

Got an idea for a technology project or product? Professional fundraiser Lise Smith reveals how to find funding on Kickstarter to make it a reality

Kickstarter is the perfect platform for getting your app, service or other technology project of the ground. Recently, products such as the Pebble Time smartwatch have attracted US$20.3 million from more than 78,000 backers keen to get the device of the starting blocks, while the Exploding Kittens card game met its US$10,000 funding goal in only eight minutes. More than US$1.6 billion have been pledged through the site since launch, with a current funding success rate for new projects of around 40%. So how can you ensure that your project ends up in that 40% category with a full funding thermometer?

What’s the most effective way to boost your network?

Killing dead spots, extending your range, boosting speeds – there are many reasons to upgrade your home or small-office network. We explain how

Stronger signals and longer range might be at the heart of many home and small-office network upgrades, but more of us are pushing our networks harder than ever before.

ASUS VivoPC VM62 Mini PC

Full- featured computer in a small footprint with plenty of customisation options

Small computers are nifty. They can provide a full desktop PC experience where the physical space for a traditional tower case would be cumbersome or impractical. In the past, a tiny form factor meant weak specs and woeful performance - but the ASUS VivoPC VM62 platform brings compact size and low power consumption together with performance and a reasonable price.

Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay 8TB

Intended for home use, this NAS certainly packs in a lot of storage capacity and is also media-friendly

T he Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay 8TB is a consumer NAS device for the home. It has a minimalist design, piano black finish and set-top box dimensions. The appeal for home users lies in its ease of use, and its combination of media sharing and backup capabilities.